The Crime Against Women (CAW) Cell was established to provide a sensitive and sympathetic approach to handling cases of violence and disputes involving women.

Recognizing the discomfort many women face when reporting issues at regular police stations, the CAW Cell was first introduced in 1983 as a specialized unit to address their concerns effectively.

The Crimes Against Women (CAW) Cell in Delhi was established in 1983 to provide a more empathetic and effective response to the reporting of crimes by women. It was observed that women often felt uncomfortable reporting such matters at regular police stations, necessitating a more compassionate approach and a system that facilitated counselling for couples at odds before filing a formal First Information Report (FIR).

The CAW Cell operates with the primary aim of reconciliation and voluntary mediation. Unlike regular police stations, the CAW Cell does not possess coercive powers and cannot take judicial or quasi-judicial actions, such as issuing summons.

These powers remain within the jurisdiction of the judiciary. Instead, the CAW Cell focuses on resolving disputes and fostering amicable settlements between spouses, thus safeguarding marriages rather than dissolving them at the outset.

The Police Headquarters is responsible for outlining the procedures followed by the CAW Cell, emphasizing attempts to mediate and reconcile differences between husbands and wives.

This approach aims to address grievances in a manner that prevents the escalation of conflicts to irreparable levels. The role of the CAW Cell is crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between enforcing the law and preserving family harmony.

By providing a platform where women can report issues in a supportive environment and receive counselling, the CAW Cell helps prevent the breakdown of marriages and supports the overall well-being of families.

Role and Function of the CAW Cell

The primary objective of the CAW Cell is to offer a platform where women can report incidents in a supportive environment. Key features of the CAW Cell include:

• Reconciliatory Proceedings: The proceedings of the CAW Cell are strictly voluntary and focus on reconciliation between parties, particularly in matrimonial disputes.
• there are Efforts are made to resolve differences and foster an amicable settlement between the husband and wife.
• No Coercive Powers: The CAW Cell does not have the authority to take coercive actions, issue summons, or make judicial decisions. These powers remain with the judiciary.
• Mandatory Counselling: Before lodging a formal FIR, the CAW Cell emphasizes counselling and dialogue to safeguard marriages rather than escalating conflicts.

Importance of the CAW Cell

The CAW Cell’s creation addresses two significant concerns:

1. Comfort for Female Complainants: Women now have a dedicated space where their grievances are heard with compassion and understanding.
2. Prevention of Premature FIRs: Registering an FIR without attempting reconciliation often exacerbates matrimonial disputes, making resolutions more challenging. The CAW Cell’s focus on counselling helps mitigate such outcomes.

Procedures at the CAW Cell

The Police Headquarters oversees the procedures followed by the CAW Cell. These include:

• Attempting reconciliation between the parties.
• Providing a platform for amicable discussions and settlement.
• Referring unresolved cases to the judiciary if necessary

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While the CAW Cell strives to protect and preserve matrimonial harmony, navigating its procedures can be complex.

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